What Did I Do?

I decided that this blog was more focused on my life and all that is in it.  However, I have established a co-blog that can be found here at wordpress.  It’s location is here. And it’s focus is more on the artistic part of me: my poetry and my doodles and my gags.  It is a hodge-podge of imagery and a window into my creative mind.  So take a peek…I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.

They say that self-discovery is a lifelong endeavor.  You’re never finished because there will always be something new introduced into your journey that will get you to expand and shape your personal tapestry as a complete human being.  This quest is never finished.  Just as you learn something else about yourself, a new road of inspiration appears.  Hopefully, you follow it and, as you do, you gather breadcrumbs along the way. 

So go ahead and visit the inner workings of my crazy brain:

 http://www.playonwords.wordpress.com

Aren’t you the least bit curious??

Now I’m Surrounded!

If I complained before about the desk tappers and office hummers, then forgive me.  I had no idea that things could get any worse.  Just as I was settling my butt into a new chair from our recent floor move and just as I’m rediscovering my love of the NBC show, The Office; it happened.  It wasn’t even gradual…no.  It happened the minute I sat down in aforementioned seat: the office is brighter, y’all (to use the Britney Spears vernacular).  Brighter is not necessarily better.  In fact, it’s cut my productivity in half because I feel like a lab rat who’s just gotten used to one dimly-lit environ only to be released one day (for no apparent reason) into a controled brightly lit maze.  Thank goodness I’m not being timed in a race to find the cheese, because I’d surely fail such a test.  Factor in the large palm tree eating my co-worker’s cubicle, the thisclose proximity of the office staff, and the acoustics which could shame the Metropolitan Opera House and now you’ve got a party! Only you can’t party at the office (just ask that unfortunate fellow who decided to be the first employee ever to photocopy his butt).

I’m With The Band…

Like true rocker, I hadn’t really noticed the acoustics until The Rolling Stones knocked on the office door to ask for permission to use the space.  But seriously folks.  Even casual business chatter could be heard from across the room like we were at a Mayan Temple!  Except that guy who thought he heard the call of a bald eagle…but we don’t speak to him anymore.  If I were a recording artist, I’d find the space a dream.  But instead I find myself frozen with paranoia everytime someone talks to me or gives me instructions.  So basically, I’d rather that we speak in code with clicks and the occasional cough.  I had originally valued the fact that I was the only office performer, but now I’ve been challenged by co-workers that break into song at the drop of a hat.  I just hope that no one steals my moves because, well…that would be cheating, wouldn’t it?  WOULDN’T IT?!

Share With The Class… 

There are few things that people can share past kindergarten.  As people get older and move forward with their careers, they realize that sharing is not all its cracked up to be.  But apparently, the designers on our floor didn’t realize this little fact.  Or, maybe they did and were trying to encourage an old ideal of sharing and caring.  Included in the list of shared items: germs. Yes, now everyone can participate in the glory that is illness!  No co-worker is spared since the traditional cubicle has been eliminated.  So now, I can share my office supplies as well as my germs.  Yummy…!

Look on The Bright Side…

Forever the Optimist, I attempted just now to figure out a bright side.  Um, let’s see…hmm…uh, well…I guess…there must be bright side, but I am hard-pressed to find one.  Solidarity, I guess.  The close proximity makes everyone paranoid enough to…nah.  I don’t think that’s it either. Hmm…maybe there really isn’t a bright side.  Except maybe the lights that any day could render me blind. 

Introducing A Mini-Diva

Welcome to Cheyanne Marie Ferry born on 02/05/08!

I’m an unofficial grandmother now…and I couldn’t be happier.

Wait until you see those tutus I plan to get ya!

With Love,

~MeMa

P.S. Note the Kung-Fu defensive hands at the ready…Oh, you’re a little fighter aren’t you?!

On Christianity & Vampires

It seems a natural progression; Anne Rice supporting Hillary Clinton for President and throwing out the possibility of writing one final Lestat novel (from a Christian point-of-view).  Now I’ve been a major fan of Anne’s novels ever since I picked up that introduction to her Vampire Chronicle series, Interview With A Vampire.  I managed to read every one of that series seeing in each a probing mind attempting to have her renegade protagonist, Lestat de Lioncourt redeem himself in a lush, erotic New Orleans setting.  There is no doubt that Lestat has redemptive qualities as he struggles with the nature of being a vampire.  Depending on your personal views of the author, there is no doubt that the character of Lestat is defiant to both the humans that he feeds off of and the vampires which he admires.  Lestat is a non-conformist; refusing to give in completely to the inhuman nature that his new status grants him.  He manages to piss everybody off (vamps and humans alike).  So it seems that Anne underwent her own struggle with mortality: inventing characters that, like her, were coping with the eternal questions that plague our very existence.  But still, even then there were Christian slants.  Lestat wanted to believe in something.  Paganism was rooted in faith; faith was rooted in very Christian ideals that perhaps, unbeknownst to Anne, came to a head in her novel, Memnoch The Devil.  The Christian view was unmistakable, even as Lestat strived to prove the reader that he was nothing more than a monster, how could the reader forget where he lay in stasis…the cold marble of a church floor? 

Anne appears to forever have an inquisitive mind.  Her depiction of the mighty Angels and their majesty show an undeniable curiosity as to what lies beyond this mortal coil.  Even as she vehemently attempted to prove that both God and The Devil were two sides of the same coin, constantly bartering for souls, she failed in her mission.  Despite her mission to prove the contrary, I kept getting the sense that there was a hopeful, faithful view underneath it all. Why else would she begin in Egypt, divert our attentions to Asia Minor, then Ancient Rome, and finally to London and New Orleans if not to ultimately come to the conclusion that only now she willingly accepts: that she is a devout Christian devoted to writing only Christian novels from now on?  She sought it all along.  Now, Lestat must journey there to meet Anne halfway at the edge of the world right back to the very beginning.  Circle Eternal.  Alpha and Omega. Man and Monster.

I just hope that it is a worthy end. 

MoneyMoneyMoneyMoney…M-O-N-E-Y!

In the wake of the Presidential elections and various other necessary fundraising efforts, I have received an unusually high number of requests for my money lately.  There is no doubt in my mind that there are worthy causes that people should dip into their pockets for.  Some causes even boast a nice tax-deduction for your contribution.  However, I just believe that everyone should think carefully about where their money goes and what charities to support.  It is especially difficult for people with limited means to dip into their meager wallets and come up with change to spare.

These are definitely trying times. Incomes are not rising to meet rising costs of living.  Newcasts are discussing possible recessions (even though I think that we are already in one).  The whole world is changing and evolving which is causing all of these unpredictable natural disasters of Biblical proportion.  I get it.  The world needs.  But there are a few questions that you should ask yourself before you empty your piggybank.

To some extent, there are some events that we’re prepared for: the Sunday church collection plate, or the annual Girl Scout Cookie sale.  But others may catch us off-guard: your co-worker’s kid’s candy drive or the random donation requests you get when you open your mail. When we go to the supermarket, the movies, or our favorite restaurant, our attention may be called to a collection jar.  When we go to church there may be raffles, bake sales and fund drives.  The list is never-ending.  But why does the average Joe feel so compelled to give “until it hurts”? 

Brother, can you spare a dime?

Charities have many methods to ensnare you into obligation.  Guilt-ridden tactics–such as the use of photographs of starving children with big eyes staring into the camera–have worked for years.  Such advertisements succeed at tugging at our heartstrings, forcing you to relate to another’s suffering and the human condition.  But it is also important to note that the largest percentage of those who comply or succumb to these clever tactics are often poor.  Not middle- or upper-class, but at or under the poverty line.  So why do these methods seems to work best on those in need of financial help themselves? 

Fiscal Responsibility

Suze Orman, financial guru to the world speaks a lot about people’s this concept.  She discusses ways in which Americans get caught up in consumer marketing ploys and guilt-trips when it comes to impulse buys.  Now, let’s add fundraising to this concept.  There are various motivational factors: people want to do the right thing, feel that they’ve helped the less fortunate, or get into Heaven.  But how much is enough?  It all amounts to a certain level of fiscal responsibility.  You owe it not only to yourself, but to your loved ones to give…but within reason. No one’s asking you to go to the poor house.  Give wisely by figuring out what causes you would like to support next year, and stick to those only.  Maybe you would like to sponsor your friend on her annual Walk for Breast Cancer.  Account for this figure every year when, say doing your taxes.  Set this money aside for when the time arises, and then never deviate from that amount.  The same goes for your church functions.  Since you know you will be contributing each year, factor in that amount and set it aside before the new year.  It may also be helpful to get an INGDirect account and start building interest from your tax return. What I love is that you can name each account / subaccount that you create on INGDirect’s website so that you won’t get confused over the amount your setting aside for “Timmy’s prom” and the “Charity” money. 

Cave Less

Here’s the scenario: Johnny Co-Worker shows us Little Timmy’s selection sheet and you automatically feel obligated to give even though you really didn’t count on purchasing a tin filled with chocolate covered almonds.  Stop caving in, man. No one’s saying that you shouldn’t occasionally purchase an order of shortbread cookies, but don’t feel imprisoned by that decision.  If you are, then you really shouldn’t buy it.  No one’s saying that you’re a big meanie for declining.  You’re just frugal with your money.  I knew folks getting paid my salary twice over who wouldn’t lend a dollar to a bum, let alone to be coerced into supporting Little Timmy’s drive.  If those folks could avoid buyer’s remorse and manage to stay within their limits, why can’t you? Hang tough and stay true to your feelings.  We all know that Little Timmy’s Dad will probably end up buying out his son’s candy anyway…Isn’t that what all great parents do?

Yeah, her part is as ‘Young Woman’…The Hooker

Last night I had attended a friend’s off-off Broadway performance at a little theater called, Spoon.  I never heard of the spot either.  My colleague, Isis was in it.  A little background:

I’m that artsy chick that always has her pockets filled with bits of paper,  is oft seen with her head buried in a book or just randomly staring into space.  Isis is the one whom everybody likes, is easy to get along with and has an overwhelmingly bright personality.  Being the natural artistically inclined extroverts that we were, it was only natural that we’d come to know each other.  

When I first met Isis, I was enchanted by her sense of self.  She was always so dang aware of the things around her as if she knew that she would be going places and not just from behind her front-desk prison cell that caged all that restless energy.  Nope. Isis is a Queen and as such, is destined for greatness.  Her name bequeathed her.

It was no surprise to discover that Isis was indeed pursuing a career in the fine art of acting.  Quite a daunting task to be sure, but still one that I believe she can manage.  It is in Isis’s spirit.  She is a charmer, a disarmer and she got even the biggest stiffs to dance at our office Holiday Party…but that’s another story.  

The Spoon Theater, located a stone’s throw away from Times Square, is a small venue.  I had brought my sister along for some company, and was foolish enough to take the stairs to the fifth floor.  I had forgotten how walk-ups tire the legs as well as the resolve, but once we walked in, there was a welcoming air.  I often giggle to myself when I see these small troupes because there are such lovely nuances to them.  It’s like watching your best-friend doing ”live” band performances from his garage. For example, as the young person who worked the ticket booth handed us our change from the cover charge, we couldn’t help but notice a jar that read, “Tip Jar” sitting right opposite the money box.  Right alongside was a sign written in black magic marker announcement that Wine was being served as well as Beer.  Eli joked that it catored not only to the rich but the poor.  But I kidded, “It was for the Greasers and the Soc’s.”  Where else can wine and beer be served together?  No, Britney Spear’s house doesn’t count.

The small theatre was a mite bigger than a bread-box.  There was a blue-hued light raining down on one of the four main characters of the one-act play known only as, “Young Man”.  As we entered, Young Man began to cough while crouched on a large table, playing a guitar.  There was a low mysterious guttoral sound coming from the sound-booth behind a few rows of seats thisclose together. Eli was already seated in the second row.  I had commented to Eli that I felt sorry for the actor who sounded like he was going to hack up a lung.  Then, I asked whether she thought if the actor was already in character or not.  Eli said, “The performance begins the minute people enter the room.”  Who knew?

Everyone in the audience waited as they watched the Young Man play his out-of-tune guitar and began perusing the room.  Beside Young Man was what looked like a fire-escape step ladder in front of a painted backdrop of a New York neighborhood.   To the right of the stage was a door with a chair propped right in front of it; one panel of the door was missing.  To the left were two wooden frames hanging from wires in the ceiling that had curtains covering two firgures who we hadn’t noticed had been standing there since we had walked in.  Random people speculated whether or not the legs belonged to anyone or, if it was just mannequins, because the room was too dark to tell. Suddenly, we heard deliberate footsteps coming down the main aisle…the play had begun.

The play is about a post-apocalytic city where women have to sell their bodies to survive…and pay the rent.  The world is overrun by rats and other vermin such as The Landlord who is not only a slum lord, but a pimp that attempts to tempt Young Man, using Young Woman.  Still, this example of Adam and Eve show that the world must change to rid the world of these non-innocents. 

Here’s a brief synopsis of what was great:

• The dialogue was genuine and wonderfully delivered.  Funny even despite the apocalyptic concept.The acting of 3 people (my friend Isis included)
• The subtleties like the use of a deck of cards: Joker (The Landlord’s view of Young Man), the King & Queen (views of the hero and heroine)
• The death scene was really realistic…and sad.
• The masturbation scene was realistic without being vulgar.
• Isis’s fluidity on the stage is like a cat’s.  She seemed natural and used both sides of the stage.
• The crown atop Young Woman’s head was a great symbol of the freedom she wants but is cleverly created with geisha hair clips.
• Thankfully, the rats bring about hope.  Plays should always end with hope.

Now to the rough parts…

• The makeup on Young Woman didn’t tie into Young Man.  It tied her more to The Landlords
• Why didn’t The Landlord & The Landlady have these names in the script?  “2″ and “3″ aren’t sufficient
• Why was The Landlady there?  I didn’t get her Shakespearean references and her line delivery was like watching paint dry.  No, wait!  Paint’s more interesting.  Was she the girlfriend of one of the other actors?  In that case, she should’ve played a tamborine or something.  That would’ve been better than giving her lines, ’cause: reading’s hard!
• If they’re on the roof, how do the rats get there?
• Isis has stage presence, but needs to work on her interaction with the other actors.  The character was too aloof as when Young Woman was planning on leaving with Young Man
• Young Man’s afflictions were too varied: tuberculosis, drug addiction and the cold.  It just seemed like one too many.
• Cursing.  It’s a common young writer pitfall.

Overall, the storyline was a little muddled, but it was thoroughly entertaining and promising from young actors.  In the end, Dead City Rapture was very much alive in the spirit of the artistic sensibility reminiscent of a simpler time before marketing, packaging and gentrification.  This is art for art’s sake and I say, it’s about time we get back to the love, man!

And to Isis, I’ll take a quote from Shakespeare and say, “To thine own self be true”.